Following some of the design cues of the El Primero Lightweight, the new Zenith El Primero 36,000 vph Openworked brings the beauty of a partially skeletonized dial to one of the most iconic chronographs from this manufacture from Le Locle. Fitted with a 42 mm stainless steel case with the traditional pump pushers, the dial of the new Zenith El Primero 36,000 vph Openworked maintains the traditional light grey-anthracite-blue color scheme of the iconic El Primero chronograph. The main differences between this dial and the one on the El Primero Lightweight are the red accents on the seconds hand and on the border between the flange and the edge of the dial.
The openworked dial on the new Zenith El Primero 36,000 vph Openworked maintains the tone-on-tone dial construction with the lightest shade of grey for the running seconds, anthracite for the chronograph hours and blue for the chronograph minutes. Fitted with black faceted applied markers and partially skeletonized hands, the date aperture at 6 o'clock features a red background that makes the date indicator pop. This is feasible thanks to the skeletonized date disc that allows for that red background to show thru as the disc advances through the date aperture.
The new Zenith El Primero 36,000 vph Openworked is powered by the El Primero 400 B calibre, an automatic chronograph movement composed of 326 parts, 31 jewels and integrated column-wheel. The movement beats at a frequency of 36,000 vph to provide a power reserve of 50 hours minimum and is fully visible via the display case back. This time, the movement has been finished in a gorgeous dark grey color.
On the wrist, the new Zenith El Primero 36,000 vph Openworked wears true to its size and with a more impressive wrist presence than other El Primero chronographs. The openworked dial makes this watch more contemporary and edgy to certain extent. For the money, you get a lot of watch and one of the best chronographs ever created.
Sticker Price $6,900 USD on rubber strap and $7,500 USD on stainless steel bracelet. For more info on Zenith click here.
